Dr. Benjamin O'Connell, DO is a Family Medicine physician dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive care for older adults at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring you receive the highest quality of care. Your family doctor is your primary partner in managing your health throughout your senior years, coordinating complex care, managing chronic conditions, and focusing on your overall well-being and independence to help you thrive. He serves adults, with a focus on those aging into and throughout their senior years. Dr. O'Connell is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (904) 296-8785 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Benjamin O'Connell, DO is a family medicine physician in Jacksonville, FL with over 10 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Nova Southeastern University Dr. Kiran C. Patel College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2011 and completed an internship at St. Vincent's Medical Center, gaining foundational clinical experience. He is Board Certified in Family Practice by the American Board of Family Medicine and affiliated with Ascension St. Vincent's Southside Hospital and Ascension St Vincent's Riverside. With over 10 years of dedicated experience in Family Medicine care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. O'Connell provides consultations primarily in English.
Don't wait to get the important care you need. When you need care, Ascension is committed to keeping you safe while you're receiving it. Our hospitals and clinics have implemented safety precautions to protect our patients and our care teams. From screening our associates to rigorous cleaning and disinfecting procedures, we are balancing care with caution. Call to discuss the right option for your care and to learn more about specific safety and visitor guidelines.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Benjamin O'Connell is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. O'Connell is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive family medicine care. He prioritizes understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, coordinating complex care, and proactively managing chronic conditions to help them maintain their independence and well-being. He works collaboratively with families to create personalized plans that maximize comfort and quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Benjamin O'Connell can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Cigna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Ambetter
- Anthem
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- Medicare
- MultiPlan
- MultiPlan PPO
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- Select HMO
- Superior Health Plan
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Benjamin O'Connell provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Hypoglycemia: Experiencing shakiness, sweating, or confusion might mean your blood sugar is too low, something easily addressed with a quick snack of sugar or glucose if your doctor has advised this. Regular monitoring helps you stay in control.
- Seborrheic Dermatitis: Think of seborrheic dermatitis as a common skin problem causing redness and flaking, especially on the scalp or face; with proper care, you can control the symptoms and avoid any major disruptions to your daily routine.
- Rosacea: Rosacea is a common skin condition causing redness, bumps, and sometimes pimples, mainly on the face, that can be effectively managed with skincare routines and medication to improve comfort and appearance.
- Allergies: Managing allergies effectively as you age involves identifying your triggers and working with your doctor to find the right medications or allergy shots to help you breathe easier and live more comfortably.
- Pneumonia: Pneumonia is a lung infection that can make it challenging to breathe and perform everyday tasks, but with appropriate medical care, including medications and therapies, your symptoms can improve, and you can get back to a fulfilling life.
- Chronic Neck Pain: Lingering neck pain can significantly impact your comfort and independence, but with the right approachincluding medication, posture adjustments, and heat/ice therapyyou can find relief and maintain your quality of life.
- Wheezing: Wheezing sounds like a whistling noise when you breathe and might be a symptom of a respiratory condition. Seeking medical attention can lead to a diagnosis and a plan to manage your breathing effectively, promoting a better quality of life.
- Muscle Weakness: Feeling weaker in your muscles? It's important to talk to your doctor; they can help determine the cause and create a plan to regain strength and improve your overall well-being.
- Onychomycosis: Onychomycosis is a common fungal infection of the toenails or fingernails, often causing discoloration, thickening, and brittleness, but treatable with medication to improve appearance and prevent complications.
- Gastritis: Gastritis is an inflammation of your stomach lining that can cause discomfort like upset stomach, but with proper medication and lifestyle changes, you can effectively manage your symptoms and feel better.
- Hyperlipidemia: Hyperlipidemia is simply having high levels of cholesterol in your blood. It's often easily controlled through diet and exercise, and sometimes with medication, helping you stay healthy and vibrant for years to come.
- Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs): Sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) are infections passed through sexual contact, and while less common in older adults, they can still occur and are treatable with antibiotics or antiviral medications, improving overall health and well-being.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. Benjamin O'Connell offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Skin Testing and Screening: As part of a comprehensive health assessment, skin checks help your physician identify any concerning skin changes and incorporate them into your overall care strategy.
- Cancer Screening: As part of your comprehensive care plan, cancer screenings provide valuable insights into your health, potentially identifying cancers in their earliest stages.
- Gonorrhea Screening: Regular gonorrhea screening, especially if sexually active, is a crucial step in managing your sexual health and overall well-being as you age.
- Skin Screenings: A yearly skin screening allows for early detection of skin lesions, improving treatment outcomes and overall well-being.
- Disability Evaluation: Disability evaluations help tailor your treatment and care plan, making sure you have the right support to address your specific needs and maintain your well-being.
- Pelvic Exams: Pelvic exams are a vital part of preventive care, allowing early detection of conditions that can significantly impact your well-being as you age.
- Dementia or Depression Screening: These screenings help assess mental health and cognitive function, allowing for early diagnosis and management of conditions like dementia and depression.
- Strep Test: A strep test quickly checks for a bacterial infection causing a sore throat, helping your doctor determine the best treatment plan.
- Immunization Administration: Getting vaccinated helps manage your risk of serious illnesses, allowing you to enjoy a fuller life as you age.
- Bacteriuria Screening: This urine test is a crucial part of managing urinary health as we age, helping identify and treat infections that could lead to serious complications.
- Trichomoniasis Screening: Regular trichomoniasis screening is part of responsible healthcare management, assisting your doctor in creating a holistic plan to address any underlying health concerns.
- Wheelchair Evaluation: As part of a comprehensive care plan, a wheelchair evaluation ensures seniors have the proper equipment to maintain activity levels and participate in daily life.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Family Medicine in Florida.
Dr. Benjamin O'Connell is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- With regular blood sugar monitoring and the guidance of a family medicine practitioner, a senior couple felt more secure in their home, no longer worried about the sudden onset of hypoglycemic symptoms. They were able to resume their favorite evening walks together without the fear of experiencing a low blood sugar episode.
- A senior woman, previously frustrated by the persistent redness and flaking of her scalp, found relief and regained her confidence to wear her favorite hats again, thanks to a tailored treatment plan.
- A senior woman, previously self-conscious about her facial redness, now confidently attends social gatherings, feeling more comfortable and secure in her appearance after managing her rosacea with a tailored skincare routine.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Family Medicine (Family Practice)
Here are answers to some common questions about Family Medicine care with Dr. Benjamin O'Connell:
- How is a Family Physician suited to care for seniors?
- Dr. O'Connell's family medicine practice is uniquely suited to care for seniors because we often care for patients throughout their lives. This gives us a deep understanding of their health history, and we are experts in managing chronic conditions and coordinating all aspects of a senior's care, making us trusted primary care partners.
- What happens during an annual wellness visit for a senior?
- Your annual wellness visit with Dr. O'Connell is a crucial time to partner on health goals. We'll review medications, conduct a physical exam, check memory and mobility, and discuss personalized preventive screenings like bone density or cancer checks.
- How should I prepare for my appointment to make the most of our time?
- To make the most of your appointment with Dr. O'Connell, please write down your top health questions, bring a list of all medications (including over-the-counter), and be prepared to discuss any new symptoms, no matter how small.
- Can family members or caregivers be involved in my care?
- Absolutely. With your permission, we encourage family members and caregivers to be involved in your care. This team approach helps ensure clear communication and provides the best support for your health.
- Can you help manage joint pain from arthritis?
- Yes, Dr. O'Connell's practice can help manage joint pain from arthritis. Family physicians are often the first point of contact for arthritis management, and treatment may include safe exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, and sometimes joint injections to improve mobility and reduce pain.
- Can I come in for urgent issues like a fall, a bad cold, or a UTI?
- Yes, you can come in for urgent issues like a fall, a bad cold, or a UTI. Seeing Dr. O'Connell for these acute illnesses is ideal because he knows your health history and medications. Our practice can treat common ailments, helping you avoid unnecessary trips to urgent care.
- How do you help with managing multiple medications?
- Dr. O'Connell's practice partners with you to safely manage multiple medications. We conduct regular reviews to check for interactions, simplify your regimen, and make sure every prescription is still needed and working effectively.
- How do you help manage multiple chronic conditions like diabetes and heart disease?
- Dr. O'Connell works with you to create a personalized plan that coordinates your care for multiple conditions like diabetes and heart disease. This includes monitoring, medication management, and lifestyle counseling to prevent complications and maintain your quality of life. We are your central point of contact for all your health needs.
4205 Belfort Rd Ste 3075
Jacksonville FL 32216
Phone: (904) 296-8785
Dr. Benjamin O'Connell, DO is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1386930493
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Family Medicine like Dr. Benjamin O'Connell are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.